12.13.2018

Every December, when I was still working, I always look forward to my Christmas bonus. Siyempre after 12 months of toiling, year-end bonuses are the icing on the cake talaga. While I am no longer working, I still earn from projects that come my way, and of course, ang bonus ni husband ang inaabangan namin, heehee! Having something extra to look forward to this month, I already try to plan on how we can spend wisely, and how we can surprise our family and friends as we share our blessings.

I think we can all agree na mas magastos talaga pag holiday season, so we should always find ways for our hard-earned money to go a long way. After covering all the basic needs, how do we spend our extra from year-end bonuses? Here are the usual suspects, in no particular order:

Travel

Jewelry

Gadgets

Pampering services

Fine dining

Surprise gifts for the family

Home improvements

Specialty foods and beverages

After watching this fun and entertaining video by our Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, and his lucky boy Luis, I am reminded that as a homemaker, I need to be frugal and always discerning when it comes to spending. Para laging may extra pa to save and to surprise our loved ones as we create memories with them!

You should watch and share this video to know what I mean. =) Nakakatuwa itong PUREGOLD "concert" with #ViLucky!

While there are times when we like to splurge on certain things, most often, I want value-for-money with my purchases, even with my groceries. This is always the case when we shop at PUREGOLD, always panalo! Sulit na sulit kasi when I buy our dry goods there, especially when in bulk. I know a lot of people who make PUREGOLD their shopping destination because of the amazing deals they can find. It's a one-stop-shop too. Kaya this Christmas, let's all make the most of what we have and share with our families. Pasko na! PUREGOLD na! =)

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10.23.2018

I changed into my swimsuit, took a shower, opened the pod and went inside. I was kneeling as I pulled down the cover, leaving a small gap so I can still see the room. I lied down on my back and floated instantly over the saltwater. The light was changing colors as I tried to look around inside the chamber while I float. Everything was quiet, so still, and so soothing. I still can't decided if I'll leave the light on, if I'll enclose myself inside or leave the pod open. The water temperature was perfect, and I just closed my eyes and relaxed.

10.08.2018

I have recently come to appreciate the wonders of essential oils after attending the Mod Moms event with Amara Lab. There, I was able to learn more about the e.o. varieties, its uses and benefits, and even made my first oil blends using Amara Oils.

8.31.2018

I've been having on and off runny nose and uncontrollable sneezing for over a week now and I can blame it on the weather. Even my son's allergic rhinitis got worse lately. Do you notice that sneezing becomes more persistent during the rainy season and windy parts of the year? It's usually between June to October here in the Philippines. While there may be a difference in how the two can trigger allergies in our body, dry yet harsh winds and damp weather can both activate the sneezies and affect our breathing.

8.15.2018

It's rainy season once again so expect humidity to be off the charts, thus, frizzy hair!!! Even my skin feels different in this weather so I take extra care. As much as I want to wear my hair down more often, I don't have enough patienceto give too much attention to it. I know that having beautiful and healthy hair always gives a good impression. That is why I always try to keep my hair neat and in place. But my naturally buhaghag hair requires some time and effort to style. Even on a good hair day, my laziness kicks in and I end up with a ponytail just to keep hair away from my face and not have to think about it the whole day. One brand I can depend on to tame my pouffy thick hair without blow-dryng is HIMAWARI. I just brush and air-dry, then give it a few passes with my hair straightening iron and I’m good to go.

8.08.2018

My shopping habits have never been the same in recent years. I can't remember my first online transaction, but I know one of my earliest purchases were from Amazon.com around fifteen years ago. Late adapter nga ako eh coz I really prefer seeing and feeling the actual merchandise before I buy. The usual items we order there are electronics, toys, clothing and footwear, and dry goods. Locally, items I shop for online are specialty foods, apparel and accessories that I may not find in stores. Nowadays, I think I spend an equal amount of time buying stuff online and in retail shops. Then last week, I was introduced to honestbee -- a game-changer in the whole online shopping experience.

7.29.2018

Over the past couple of years, I've added a few steps to my very basic skin care regimen, kasi tumatanda nako, hehe. Seriously, after I hit the 40 mark, my skin drastically became drier and more prone to irritation, and worse, occasional eczema flare-ups which I never experienced in my youth. Top priority is really to keep my skin hydrated everyday. Aside from drinking more water than I'm used to, I also go with my trusted skin care brands na hiyang talaga ako. So, let me share what these #WaterfulSkincare and #PurifiedByNature brands are, plus some practical tips that can help us achieve healthy beautiful skin.

7.20.2018

When I learned how to do bento several years ago, I've been on and off with my efforts to prepare bento-style baon for the kids. Well, the boy couldn't care less, haha, so no more bento for him. For the girl, it's only when I'm in the mood and have enough time to be more creative. I had the pleasure of attending yet another bento-making event that gave me fresh ideas to try. And this time, it's with our favorite ready-to-eat canned tuna -- Gold Seas Tuna Chunks.

7.13.2018

I am so into self care right now that I find myself trying all sorts of treatments and activities that come my way. What's funny is that I never thought about any of these beauty and fitness stuff when I was younger. At 45, I am more conscious now when it comes to overall wellness. I'm motivated more than ever to continue my fitness journey, for myself and for my family. And the latest workout I've tried was barre at the newly opened Physique 57 Manila.

7.03.2018

Monday, June 4, was our last day in El Nido and I didn't want to leave. Bitin eh, and it rained pa the first two days. We wanted to stay for four days, but Lagen island resort was fully booked before and after our three-day stay, so too bad for us. But we are still so thankful that everything went well, and the sun finally shone brightly that morning, with the bluest of skies and fluffy white clouds.

6.27.2018

When it comes to makeup, I've always stuck with the bare essentials. I can live on just face powder, and lip color. It was only two years ago that I've come to appreciate eyebrow pencils and liners. I got hooked on K-Palette Lasting 2-way Eyebrow Pens, and eventually had eyebrow microblading from Skin House Beauty and Laser Clinic. Mascara, eyeliners, and blush powder are reserved for events and special occasions. With blushers, my skin tend to feel drier when I use them. Then a few weeks ago, I was able to try for the first time the cream cheek tints from K-Palette. I'm in love!